Takata has served for the town since 2004, having come from Newcastle, Washington. He has now accepted a job as City Manager for the city of Banning, which he will start on February 15th. His salary for the town of Yucca Valley was about $176,000 annually. Takata’s reasons for accepting the position in Banning was because he needed to be closer to his family.
Mayor Chad Mayes stated, “When I first got the news, I was a little bit upset. My eyes got misty over it.” He described how Takata took on the position at a critical time for the town, when things were out of balance. “Paul Cook (Assemblyman) said we didn’t have good chemistry until we had a good chemist. I’m going to be sad to see him go.”
A representative from Assemblyman Cook’s office brought forth a proclamation for Takata, acknowledging him for his work.
Takata added, “Yucca Valley will always have a special place in my heart.” In a press release, he reminisced about his work in Yucca Valley. “When I look back over my 5 ½ years in this community, I will remember it fondly. I feel that the Town has matured into a excellent organization during my time here. I will also miss the relationship with the Marine Base. They are one of the important economic engines for this basin. They have been great partners. I am sure who ever the next Manager is, he or she will have a solid staff and fantastic community to work with. It will be one of the more attractive City Manager jobs in Southern California. Even though I will be leaving, I am more then happy to help the Council with any of their needs. When the nation begins its economic recovery, I believe Yucca Valley will be ready for anything that might happen. None of the successes could have happened with out a supportive Town Council and hard working staff. I thank them for making my stay here enjoyable.”
In 2007, Takata also declined to accept a pay raise, during the time when the economy took a downturn. Taking over will be John Tucker, former City Manger of Yucaipa, as an interim Town Manager, as Council voted unanimously.
The town will hold a special reception for Takata at the California Welcome Center on Thursday, February 11th at 5:00 p.m. in Yucca Valley.
